Immune Tonic Tea

As the cold weather sets in, getting a refresher in immune enhancing and supporting herbs can help us all prepare for winter colds and flus. Here are some resources from Juliet Blankespoor's immunity class from the 2014 Herbal Conference. This is part 3 of 3, see also Part 1: Immunostimulating Herbs and Part 2: Immunomodulating Herbs

Place the herbs and water in a pot and bring to a boil, then simmer with a lid on for one hour. Take off the heat and strain through a stainless steel or bamboo tea strainer. You will end up with 6 to 7 cups of tea; let the tea cool and refrigerate the portion that will not be consumed that day. Refrigerated tea will generally keep for three days. The dosage is 2 cups a day. Another way to enjoy this earthy tea is as a soup broth, by adding a little miso or tamari. This tonic tea can be consumed daily throughout the winter to keep the immune system in tip top form. Many of the herbs in the formula are adaptogens, offering the extra benefit of tonifying the nervous system. By definition, an adaptogen aids the body in adapting to different types of stress—be it emotional, physical, or chemical in nature.

About the Author

Flora is the dancing woman who embodies the beautiful and diverse spirit of the entire plant queendom. She speaks for Southeast Wise Women, inspiring women to deepen a connection to themselves, the Earth, and each other.